What Are the FAFSA Deadlines for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020?

If you’re like most students, you’re going to need some help paying for college. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 90% of full-time undergraduate students were awarded financial aid at four-year degree-granting colleges in 2015-2016. So, how can you make sure that you’re eligible for financial aid when the time comes?

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the first step to securing financial aid to help fund your college education. Not only does this application make you eligible for federal aid, but most states and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for their own grants, educational loans, and work-study programs.

In this post, we outline the important FAFSA deadlines you’ll need to know about in order to make sure you don’t miss out.

What are FAFSA Deadlines?

FAFSA deadlines are a little difficult to track because they vary a little bit according to what they will be used for. Furthermore, deadlines differ from state to state, and separate deadlines exist for federal grants.

Additionally, colleges might set their own FAFSA deadlines, so it’s important to check with each individual institution before submitting your application.

For federal awards, the FAFSA deadline for the 2018-2019 school year is June 30, 2019. This means that online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time on June 30, and any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 14, 2019.

For the 2019-2020 school year, the FAFSA can be submitted anytime between October 1, 2018 and June 30, 2020. Again, applications must be received by midnight on June 30, and any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 12, 2020.

In general, it is a good idea to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. Many states and colleges request that students submit their FAFSAs as soon after October 1st as possible. Sometimes, state funds are distributed until they are depleted, meaning that if you don’t apply early, the state might run out of money before you’re able to do so.

If you’re planning to start college this fall, you’ll need to fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible in order to maximize your financial aid award.

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When Are FAFSA State Deadlines?

As we mentioned, FAFSA deadlines vary from state to state. Luckily, though, they tend to stay the same from year to year so they are not impossible to predict. If you’re interested in state deadlines for the 2018-2019 FAFSA, be aware that many have already passed. You can find more specific information for each state on the 2018-2019 FAFSA Deadlines page.

Alaska Performance Scholarship: For priority consideration, submit your application by June 30, 2019. Awards are made until funds are depleted. Alaska Education Grant: As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2018. Awards are made until funds are depleted.

For many state financial aid programs: March 2, 2019 (date postmarked) Cal Grant also requires submission of a school-certified GPA by March 2, 2019. Applicants are encouraged to obtain proof of mailing their GPA and to retain a copy of their GPA form. For additional community college Cal Grants: Sept. 2, 2019 (date postmarked)
If you’re a noncitizen without a Social Security card or had one issued through the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, you should fill out the California Dream Act Application found at caldreamact.org. You do not need to fill out a FAFSA form to be eligible for California student financial aid. Contact the California Student Aid Commission (csac.ca.gov) or your financial aid administrator for more information. Additional forms may be required. Applicants are encouraged to keep a record of their submission by printing out their online FAFSA confirmation page or obtaining proof of mailing the FAFSA form.

As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2018. Awards are made until funds are depleted.

Indiana

Frank O’Bannon Grant: April 15, 2019, by midnight CT
21st Century Scholarship: April 15, 2019, by midnight CT
Adult Student Grant: As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2018. Awards are made until funds are depleted. New applicants must submit additional forms at ScholarTrack.IN.gov.
Workforce Ready Grant: As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2018.

Iowa

July 1, 2019, by midnight CT. Earlier priority deadlines may exist for certain programs. Additional forms may be required.

All first-time applicants enrolled in a community college, business, trade, or technical school, hospital school of nursing, designated Pennsylvania Open-Admission institution, or nontransferable two-year program: Aug. 1, 2019, by midnight CT
All other applicants: May 1, 2019, by midnight CT. Additional forms may be required.

When Are Individual College FAFSA Deadlines?

You’ll need to research each college independently to ensure that you’re aware of their FAFSA deadlines. Be careful to read these deadlines closely–some schools list the date by which your materials must be postmarked while others list the date by which they must be received. Don’t be caught unawares.

What To Do After You Submit Your FAFSA

The FAFSA has a fairly quick turnaround. About three to five days after submitting it, you should receive your Student Aid Report, or SAR, to the email address you’ve provided. The SAR gives you a summary of the information you provided in the FAFSA and includes an estimate of what you and your family should expect to contribute for the next academic year.

It’s important to review your SAR to ensure that all of the information is accurate. If it’s not, the amount of aid you’re eligible for will be affected. Make any necessary corrections as soon as possible after receiving your SAR.

Sometime between March and April you will receive award letters from the colleges to which you’ve been accepted and have submitted your FAFSA. These award letters will break your aid down into its component grants, loans, and work-study programs. Review these letters carefully with your family to help decide which financial aid packages make the most sense for your family.

For more information, check out our post 5 Things To Do After You Fill Out the FAFSA. Here you’ll learn how to screen your FAFSA for typos and errors, how to correct any mistakes you find, and how to find scholarships to supplement your financial aid packages.

Where Can You Get More Help Meeting FAFSA Deadlines and Understanding the Financial Aid Process?

For most first-year college students, the financial aid application process can be a little intimidating–after all, it can determine your overall ability to pay for college. Some families might benefit from a little extra guidance through this process and the college application process in general. If this sounds like you, consider enlisting the help of CollegeVine’s Applications Guidance service. Here, you will be paired with a personal admissions specialist from a top college who can provide step-by-step guidance throughout the entire application process, from creating your college list to committing to a school.

For more information about the FAFSA and financial aid, check out these important CollegeVine articles:

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Kate Koch-Sundquist is a graduate of Pomona College where she studied sociology, psychology, and writing before going on to receive an M.Ed. from Lesley University. After a few forays into living abroad and afloat (sometimes at the same time), she now makes her home north of Boston where she works as a content writer and, with her husband, raises two young sons who both inspire her and challenge her on a daily basis.